guarnición
“guarnición” means “side dish” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
side dish
Also: garnish
📝 In Action
Pedí el filete con una guarnición de papas fritas.
A1I ordered the steak with a side of french fries.
¿Qué guarnición prefieres: arroz o ensalada?
A2Which side dish do you prefer: rice or salad?
La guarnición de verduras está incluida en el precio.
B1The vegetable side dish is included in the price.
garrison
Also: military post
📝 In Action
La guarnición defendió el castillo durante tres meses.
B2The garrison defended the castle for three months.
El general envió refuerzos a la guarnición fronteriza.
C1The general sent reinforcements to the border garrison.
trimmings / fittings
Also: hilt, harness
📝 In Action
La guarnición de la espada era de plata labrada.
C1The hilt of the sword was made of carved silver.
El artesano terminó la guarnición del bolso.
C2The craftsman finished the trimmings of the bag.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: guarnición
Question 1 of 3
If you are at a restaurant and want to know what comes with your steak, what do you ask?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the verb 'guarnecer,' which comes from a Germanic word meaning 'to warn' or 'to provide/equip.' It shares the same root as the English words 'garnish' and 'garrison.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'guarnición' masculine or feminine?
It is feminine (la guarnición), which is common for most Spanish words ending in -ción.
Can I use 'acompañamiento' instead of 'guarnición' for food?
Yes, they are synonyms. However, 'guarnición' sounds a bit more professional or like something you would see on a printed menu.
Does it mean the same thing as the English word 'garnish'?
Partially. In English, a 'garnish' is often just a small decoration (like a sprig of parsley). In Spanish, 'guarnición' usually refers to the actual side dish, like a pile of rice or potatoes.